Rumors have been circulating for some time, with speculation about new buyers swirling until recent weeks, when insiders speculated that Moët Hennessy might be moving next. Surprisingly, but not so surprisingly, the official announcement of what promises to be one of the most significant moves in the Champagne market in recent years has been made: Vranken-Pommery Monopole announced today the start of exclusive negotiations with Lanson-BCC, acting on behalf of its subsidiary Maison Burtin, to sell its shares in Heidsieck & Co Monopole (owner of the eponymous brand), excluding all other assets. “Subject to approval by the Boards of Directors of both companies,” the statement explains, “the signing of the agreement is expected by October 1, 2025.” If the deal goes through, it remains to be seen what the next steps will be: will it trigger a chain reaction that will lead to the sale of the Group’s other “attractive” brands, starting with Pommery & Greno?
Heidsieck & Co Monopole, but not only: all the Champagne brands of the Vranken-Pommery Monopole and Lanson-BCC groups
Heidsieck & Co Monopole is one of the Champagne brands under the umbrella of Vranken-Pommery Monopole, a group that manages 2,600 hectares of land, owned or leased, spread across the vineyards of Champagne, Provence, Camargue, and Douro.
Its brand portfolio includes:
- Vranken, Pommery & Greno, Pompadour, Heidsieck & Co Monopole, Charles Lafitte, and Bissinger & Co Champagnes;
- Porto Rozès and São Pédro wines; and Terras do Grifo Douro wines;
- Domaine Royal de Jarras and Pink Flamingo Camargue wines, and Château La Gordonne Provence;
- Louis Pommery California, Louis Pommery England, Brut de France, and Pink Flamingo sparkling wines.
Lanson-BCC brings together eight Champagne producers and a number of Houses known for the distinctive character of their wines and their mutual complementarity on the market.
The Group includes:
- Champagne Lanson, a prestigious House founded in 1760 in Reims, holder of a Royal Warrant since Queen Victoria, and whose exports account for 85% of its sales.
- Champagne Philipponnat, a House founded in 1910 with a tradition dating back to 1522, located in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and owner of the iconic Clos des Goisses.
- Champagne De Venoge, founded in 1837 in Epernay, is particularly known for its historic Cordon Bleu, Princes, and Grand Cuvée Louis XV labels.
- Champagne Besserat de Bellefon, founded in 1843 in Epernay, produces the Cuvée des Moines.
- Champagne Boizel, founded in 1834 in Epernay.
Champagne Chanoine Frères, founded in 1730 in Reims, sells its Champagne primarily in supermarkets and international markets, and is best known for its Cuvée Tsarine. - Champagne Burtin, founded in 1933 in Epernay, is a preferred supplier to large-scale retail trade and produces “custom” Champagne for major clients, particularly the Alfred Rothschild range.
- Domaine Alexandre Bonnet in Les Riceys, owner of a large vineyard, where he also produces the historic Rosé des Riceys, and with the soul of a Vigneron.
